Best TVs in 2026

As we wait for 2026 TV models to arrive in the spring, I’ve tested most of today’s top TVs head-to-head in a dedicated lab to help you find the best value for your needs. Whether you’re shopping for sports viewing, gaming, or streaming movies and shows, there’s a strong option available right now.

TV technology has largely stabilized, which means year-over-year improvements are often minor. In many cases, a 2024 or 2025 model offers performance nearly identical to the latest sets — at a much lower price.

Below are the best TVs you can buy right now, ranging from premium OLEDs and QLEDs to midrange mini-LEDs and affordable 4K smart TVs.

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Best TV Overall

Samsung S90F

Score: 8.6

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Fast motion handling for gaming

Cons

• No glare-free coating
• No Dolby Vision support

The Samsung S90F delivers outstanding performance at a relatively reasonable price for an OLED. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and offers some of the best picture quality available, with deep blacks, excellent shadow detail and richly saturated colors. Gaming performance is also excellent thanks to very low input lag.

Like all Samsung TVs, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision, relying instead on HDR10 Plus. It also lacks the glare-reducing coating found on the higher-end S95F, making it less ideal for very bright rooms.

Overall, the S90F delivers cinematic contrast and color accuracy that make it one of the best all-around TVs available today.

Prices

• $1,398 at Amazon
• $1,400 at Best Buy
• $1,400 at Samsung

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Brightest OLED TV

LG OLED G5

Score: 8.8

Pros

• Brightest OLED tested to date
• Stunning overall image quality

Cons

• Brightness boost isn’t visible in all content
• Updated remote is a downgrade

The LG G5 represents a major leap forward for OLED brightness. In testing, it delivered roughly a 40% increase over its predecessor, allowing it to compete more directly with high-end LCD TVs in bright rooms.

Color performance is excellent, gaming features are robust, and clarity is among the best available. However, it’s significantly more expensive than LG’s C5, making it best suited for buyers who prioritize brightness above all else.

Price

• $1,948 at Amazon

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Best TV for Picture Quality

Samsung S95F

Score: 8.9

Pros

• Best overall picture quality tested
• Best-in-class glare reduction
• Excellent off-angle viewing

Cons

• Very expensive
• Slight contrast loss in bright rooms

The Samsung S95F is the best TV you can buy in 2026 if picture quality is your top priority. It improves on last year’s model with higher brightness, exceptional reflection handling, and vivid OLED contrast.

Its glare reduction is particularly impressive, making it ideal for bright rooms where reflections are usually a problem. While there is some contrast loss with lights on, the trade-off is worth it for most viewers.

The biggest drawback is the price, but for movie lovers and gamers who want the absolute best, the S95F delivers.

Prices

• $2,298 at Amazon
• $2,300 at Best Buy

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Best LCD TV

TCL QM8K

Score: 8.6

Pros

• Excellent picture quality
• Minimal haloing artifacts
• Improved Filmmaker Mode

Cons

• Slightly dimmer than the previous model
• Slower gaming response

TCL continues its strong run with the QM8K, which delivers impressive mini-LED performance with deep blacks and strong color. In side-by-side tests, it held its own against OLED competitors in dark scenes thanks to its Halo Control System.

The trade-off is slightly reduced brightness compared to the model it replaces, along with marginally slower gaming response times. It’s also only available in larger screen sizes.

For large-room viewing, however, the QM8K remains one of the best LCD TVs available.

Prices

• $998 at Amazon
• $1,000 at Best Buy

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Best Budget TV

Hisense QD7QF

Score: 8.2

Pros

• Full-array local dimming at a low price
• High brightness for its class
• Strong gaming performance

Cons

• No major drawbacks

The Hisense QD7QF delivers exceptional value thanks to full-array local dimming — a feature rarely seen at this price point. The result is better contrast and image depth than most budget TVs.

It’s also significantly brighter than competing low-cost models, which enhances both gaming and HDR content. Pricing can fluctuate, but when available under $350, it’s one of the best deals on the market.

Prices

• $298 at Amazon
• $300 at Best Buy

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Brightest TV Overall

TCL QM9K

Score: 8.2

Pros

• Extremely high brightness
• Minimal backlight blooming
• Strong gaming performance

Cons

• Color accuracy needs improvement
• OLED still delivers better contrast

The TCL QM9K is the brightest TV ever tested, reaching a peak brightness of 4,520 nits. This makes it ideal for bright rooms and HDR-heavy content, including gaming.

While OLED TVs still offer superior contrast and color accuracy, the QM9K delivers outstanding brightness at a lower cost than flagship OLED models. It’s best suited for gamers or viewers who prioritize punchy visuals in well-lit spaces.